Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen speaks about the injury that nearly ended his career

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River Hawk
August 26, 2024 (1:06 PM)

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After a tragic beginning with the Toronto Maple Leafs, prospect Roni Hirvonen spoke about the injury he thought nearly ended his career.

Roni Hirvonen has arguably had the most devastating start to a season with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in years. The 22-year-old forward was drafted in 2020 in the second round, getting selected at 59th overall. Roughly two years later, he was signed to a three-year entry-level contract for the subsequent seasons.

"Toronto #MapleLeafs signed forward Roni Hirvonen and defender Topi Niemela to three-year entry-level contracts beginning next season.

Hirvonen, 20, was a 2020 2nd rd pick and had 26 pts in 46 GP for HIFK (Liiga)."

However, his start within the Maple Leafs organization was met with tragedy. In July before he started his AHL career with the Toronto Marlies, he suffered the loss of his father, Timo Hirvonen. Timo Hirvonen was a professional Finnish ice hockey player, who had a 14-season run with the SM-liiga. He unfortunately passed away at the age of 49 from surgery complications.

"Sad news: Timo 'Hire' Hirvonen has passed away

Timo Hirvonen, 49, who has worked as the hockey lecturer of Turku Regional Sports Academy since 2018, and during his active career played over 600 games in the League, has passed away due to complications after surgery with cancer found in June.

Hirvonen's local community - family, friends, and colleagues - wish for peace amid great sadness.

In honor of Timo, Turku Ball Club is sharing the grief of the family."

However, Roni Hirvonen's struggles did not stop there. After suffering a concussion during training, the young forward was hit in the eye with a stick, taking him off the ice for months. He recently spoke about the matter, sharing that he thought his career was over.

"Of course there was [a doubt]. Until I tried to play on the ice again. You are on the ice every day and then when you can't do it for months, it's tough. And then it was just, waiting after for the eye to heal."

There is no doubt that Roni Hirvonen is one tough player, and that dedication to continue working against adversity is exactly what the Maple Leafs need more of. Hopefully, he can play out an entire season with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL and develop the skill he needs to make an NHL appearance.